Project: Chattooga River District Spring Sweep
Location: Georgia
Description: On April 25, 2026, a dedicated group of 17 volunteers joined eight staff members from the U.S. Forest Service’s Chattahoochee-Oconee and Sumter National Forests for the annual Chattooga River District Spring Sweep. The project focused on a heavily used trailhead and parking area that serves as a popular launch point for kayakers and canoeists accessing the Chattooga River.
The site is also located at the intersection of several forest roads, making it a frequent target for illegal dumping. Over time, local residents and visitors had discarded tires, appliances, furniture, televisions, construction materials, and other debris down the steep ravines surrounding the area, creating significant environmental and safety concerns.
To maximize efficiency, volunteers and U.S. Forest Service personnel divided into two teams. The first team focused on cleaning county and forest roads in the surrounding area, collecting approximately 25 bags of litter and roadside trash. The second team tackled the more challenging task of removing large dumped items from the ravine. Using the winch-equipped Tread Lightly! vehicle, participants successfully recovered numerous tires, appliances, furniture pieces, and building materials from the steep terrain.
By the end of the project day, the combined efforts of volunteers and partners resulted in the removal of two dumpsters full of trash and debris from this popular public recreation area. In total, approximately 3,100 pounds of waste were collected and properly disposed of, significantly improving the appearance, safety, and environmental health of the Chattooga River trailhead and surrounding National Forest lands.
The Spring Sweep demonstrated the power of collaboration and stewardship in protecting public lands while ensuring continued access and enjoyment for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
- U.S. Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
- U.S. Forest Service – Sumter National Forest
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Trout Unlimited
- Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy
“Thanks to the volunteers that provided the necessary labor to make this cleanup effort possible. For the second consecutive year, the winch on the Tread Lightly! stewardship vehicle was invaluable for enabling this work to be done. We were able to pull very heavy appliances, furniture and tires from the ravine about 75 feet down. The process is slow, but successful. It was a wonderful collaboration of two USFS Ranger Districts, and three caring non-profits that made this day a success! Thanks for all for helping us protect the adventure and keep public lands and trails open and accessible.” -Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly! Southeast Program Manager
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
